2new

[Content by Gemini 2.5]

This document provides a detailed breakdown of the ransomware variant identified by the file extension .2new, offering insights into its technical characteristics and actionable strategies for prevention, removal, and recovery.

Technical Breakdown:

1. File Extension & Renaming Patterns

  • Confirmation of File Extension: The exact file extension used by this ransomware is .2new.
  • Renaming Convention: When a file is encrypted by this variant, its original name is retained, and the .2new extension is appended. For example:
    • document.docx becomes document.docx.2new
    • image.jpg becomes image.jpg.2new
    • archive.zip becomes archive.zip.2new
      Additionally, a ransom note, typically named _readme.txt, is dropped in folders containing encrypted files.

2. Detection & Outbreak Timeline

  • Approximate Start Date/Period: The .2new extension is associated with a specific variant of the STOP/Djvu ransomware family. This prolific ransomware family has been active since late 2017/early 2018, with new extensions appearing continuously. The .2new variant itself emerged as part of this ongoing evolution, likely in late 2022 or early 2023, as new versions are released frequently. STOP/Djvu is one of the most widespread ransomware families targeting individual users.

3. Primary Attack Vectors

The 2new variant, consistent with the STOP/Djvu family, primarily relies on the following propagation mechanisms:

  • Bundled Software & Cracked Software: This is the most prevalent attack vector. Users often get infected by downloading and executing “cracked” versions of legitimate software (e.g., games, productivity suites, video editing tools), key generators (keygens), or activators from untrusted websites, torrents, or file-sharing platforms. The ransomware is silently installed alongside the desired but illicit software.
  • Fake Software Updates: Malicious websites or pop-ups may trick users into downloading fake software updates (e.g., for Flash Player, Java, web browsers) that contain the ransomware payload.
  • Malvertising & Exploit Kits: While less common for Djvu, malvertising (malicious advertisements) can redirect users to compromised websites that silently download the ransomware or exploit vulnerabilities in outdated software to install it without user interaction.
  • Phishing Campaigns: Although less frequent than for enterprise-targeting ransomware, basic phishing emails (e.g., fake invoices, shipping notifications) with malicious attachments or links can also deliver the payload.
  • Drive-by Downloads: Visiting compromised or malicious websites can sometimes trigger a silent download and execution of the ransomware, especially if the user’s browser or operating system is unpatched.

Remediation & Recovery Strategies:

1. Prevention

Proactive measures are crucial to mitigate the risk of 2new infection:

  • Regular Data Backups: Implement a robust 3-2-1 backup strategy (3 copies of data, on 2 different media, with 1 offsite or air-gapped). Test backups regularly to ensure restorability. This is the most effective defense against data loss from ransomware.
  • Software & OS Patching: Keep your operating system, web browsers, security software, and all applications up-to-date with the latest security patches. Many ransomware attacks exploit known vulnerabilities.
  • Antivirus/Anti-Malware & EDR: Use reputable antivirus or endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions and keep their definitions updated. Configure them to perform regular, full-system scans.
  • User Education & Awareness: Train users to identify phishing attempts, avoid clicking suspicious links, and be wary of downloading software from unofficial or untrusted sources (especially “cracked” software).
  • Strong Passwords & Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Use strong, unique passwords for all accounts. Enable MFA wherever possible, especially for critical services and remote access.
  • Network Segmentation: For organizational networks, segment the network to limit lateral movement of ransomware if one segment becomes compromised.
  • Disable Unnecessary Services: Disable services like SMBv1, RDP, or PowerShell if not strictly needed. Secure RDP access with strong passwords, MFA, and network-level authentication (NLA).
  • Application Whitelisting: Consider implementing application whitelisting to prevent unauthorized software (like ransomware executables) from running on endpoints.

2. Removal

If your system is infected with 2new, follow these steps for cleanup:

  1. Isolate the Infected System: Immediately disconnect the infected computer from the network (both wired and Wi-Fi) to prevent the ransomware from spreading to other devices or network shares.
  2. Identify the Threat: Do not attempt to interact with the ransomware (e.g., running the decryptor mentioned in the ransom note).
  3. Boot into Safe Mode (with Networking, if needed): Restart the computer and boot into Windows Safe Mode. This often prevents the ransomware’s processes from fully loading.
  4. Run a Full System Scan: Use a reputable antivirus/anti-malware program (e.g., Malwarebytes, ESET, Norton, Kaspersky) to perform a comprehensive scan. Ensure the definitions are updated (if networking is available in Safe Mode). The scanner should identify and quarantine/remove the ransomware executable and any related malicious files.
    • Note: STOP/Djvu ransomware often disables Windows Defender and modifies host files to block security websites. You may need to use a portable scanner or another clean device to download a tool.
  5. Check for Persistence Mechanisms: Manually inspect common persistence locations (e.g., Startup folders, Registry Run keys, Scheduled Tasks) for any entries created by the ransomware. Remove them carefully if you are knowledgeable.
  6. Change All Passwords: After confirming the system is clean, change all passwords used on the infected machine, especially for online accounts, email, and banking, as some variants may include information-stealing modules.
  7. Restore System Files: If system files were corrupted or critical Windows features were disabled, consider using System Restore (if a restore point exists from before the infection) or the sfc /scannow command in Command Prompt (as Administrator) to repair corrupted system files.

3. File Decryption & Recovery

  • Recovery Feasibility: Decrypting files encrypted by the .2new variant (STOP/Djvu ransomware) is challenging and often impossible without paying the ransom or if an offline key was used.
    • Online vs. Offline Keys: STOP/Djvu ransomware communicates with a command-and-control (C2) server to generate a unique encryption key for each victim (online key). If the C2 server is unreachable, it uses a limited set of “offline” keys.
    • Decryption Tools: The Emsisoft Decryptor for STOP/Djvu Ransomware (developed by Michael Gillespie and Emsisoft) is the most prominent tool available.
      • For Offline Keys: If your files were encrypted with an offline key (identified by the personalid.txt file NOT containing t1 or a similar suffix), the Emsisoft decryptor might be able to decrypt your files. This requires that the specific offline key used on your system has been discovered and added to the decryptor’s database.
      • For Online Keys: If an online key was used, the Emsisoft decryptor cannot decrypt your files unless the attackers’ private key is somehow compromised and released, which is extremely rare.
    • No Guarantees: Even with the Emsisoft decryptor, success is not guaranteed, and it’s a constantly evolving cat-and-mouse game. Always back up encrypted files before attempting decryption, as failed attempts could further damage them.
  • Essential Tools/Patches:
    • Emsisoft Decryptor for STOP/Djvu: The primary tool for potential decryption (search for it on Emsisoft’s official website).
    • Reputable Antivirus/Anti-Malware Software: For removal and prevention.
    • System Restore Points / File History / Cloud Backups: Your best recovery strategy is to restore data from clean backups created before the infection.
    • Windows Security Updates: Ensure OS is fully patched.

4. Other Critical Information

  • Additional Precautions:
    • Information Stealer Component: Many STOP/Djvu variants, including 2new, are known to install additional malware, such as info-stealers (e.g., Vidar, Azorult, RedLine Stealer) that can compromise credentials, cryptocurrency wallets, and other sensitive data. Assume that your personal data (passwords, browser data, cryptocurrency wallets) might have been compromised if you were infected. Change all critical passwords after cleaning the system thoroughly.
    • Shadow Copies Deletion: 2new typically attempts to delete Volume Shadow Copies (VSCs) to prevent victims from restoring files using built-in Windows features. This makes recovery via VSCs highly unlikely.
    • Hosts File Modification: The ransomware may modify the Windows hosts file to block access to security-related websites (e.g., antivirus vendor sites, tech support forums) to hinder victims from seeking help or downloading security tools. Check and restore your hosts file (C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\hosts).
  • Broader Impact:
    • High Volume, Individual Targeting: STOP/Djvu ransomware, including 2new, is notable for its extremely high volume of attacks, primarily targeting individual users and small businesses rather than large enterprises.
    • Continuous Evolution: The family constantly evolves with new file extensions, minor code changes, and sometimes new payloads (like different info-stealers), making it a persistent threat to home users.
    • “Offline ID” Hope: The only glimmer of hope for decryption without paying is the existence of offline IDs, which allows security researchers to eventually release decryptors for specific offline keys, offering a limited recovery path for some victims.